, and his eagerness to investigate irrepressible. He felt that
this opportunity was too good a one to lose, and so he walked on
rapidly yet watchfully. At length the path made a sudden sweep, and
he saw a sight before him which arrested his steps. He saw a broad
avenue, into which his path led not many paces before him. And at no
great distance off, toward the right, appeared the top of the villa
emerging from among trees. Yet these things did not attract his
attention, which centered itself wholly on a man whom he saw in the
avenue.

This man was tall, broad-shouldered, with rugged features and wide,
square brow. He wore a dress-coat and a broad-brimmed hat of Tuscan
straw. In an instant, and with a surprise that was only equaled by
his fear, Gualtier recognized the form and features of Obed Chute,
which had, in one interview in New York, been very vividly impressed
on his memory. Almost at the same time Obed happened to see him, so
that retreat was impossible. He looked at him carelessly and then
turned away; but a sudden thought seemed to strike him; he turned
once more, regarded the intruder intently, and then walked straight
up to him.

CHAPTER LXVIII.

THE VISION OF THE DEAD.

Gualtier stood rooted to the spot, astounded at such a discovery. His
first impulse was flight. But that was impossible. The hedgeway on
either side was high and thick, preventing any escape. The flight
would have to be made along the open path, and in a chase he did not
feel confident that he could escape. Besides, he felt more like
relying on his own resources. He had a hope that his disguise might
conceal him. Other thoughts also passed through his mind at that
moment. How did this Obed Chute come here? Was he the Milor Inglese?
How did he come into connection with Lord Chetwynde, of all others?
Were they working together on some dark plot against Hilda? That
seemed the most natural thing to believe.

But he had no time for thought, for even while these were passing
through his mind Obed was advancing toward him, until finally he
stood before him, confronting him with a dark frown. There was
something in his face which showed Gualtier that he was recognized.

"You!" cried Obed; "you! I thought so, and it is so, by the Lord! I
never forget a face. You scoundrel! what do you want? What are you
doing here? What are you following me for? Are you on that business
again? Didn't I give you warning in New York?"

There was som